Since opening in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland has captivated Chinese audiences with its own unique take on Disney’s beloved theme park formula. But how does this new Disney park compare to the original that started it all back in 1971 – the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida?
After exploring both parks extensively, we at ThemeParkSavvy have noted some striking differences as well as similarities between these two crown jewels of the Disney empire.
Getting There
One major difference is how guests arrive and enter the parks. The Magic Kingdom was designed first and foremost for automobile traffic, with massive parking lots ringing the perimeter to accommodate tens of thousands of cars. The entrance is a transport hub welcoming visitors from monorails, ferries, buses, and the sky-high Walt Disney World Railroad.
In contrast, Shanghai Disneyland is optimized for public transit access. A station along Shanghai’s extensive metro system drops visitors right at the main gates. On crowded days, locals need only hop on the metro to reach the park within minutes. This speaks to how ingrained mass transit is in modern Chinese culture compared to car-centric America when Disney World opened 50 years ago.
Once inside, Shanghai provides amenities tailored for Chinese guests like UnionPay credit card terminals, Alibaba’s payment app, and even mobile device charging lockers. Shanghai Disneyland has more seamlessly integrated modern technology to enhance convenience.
Lands and Theming
Walt Disney World leans heavily on nostalgia and Americana in its themed lands. Main Street U.S.A. recreates a turn-of-the-century small town, Liberty Square celebrates Colonial history, and Frontierland conjures the Old West. Even recently added areas like Toy Story Land play on guest memories of beloved movies.
Shanghai Disneyland follows this formula in some lands, like its own abbreviated Main Street, but gets more creative in other areas. For instance, Adventure Isle is akin to Animal Kingdom’s lush forests with rides like Roaring Rapids and Soaring Over the Horizon. Treasure Cove, meanwhile, is completely unique with its elegant Pirates of the Caribbean ride and surrounding Renaissance seaside village theme. And Tomorrowland has a sleek, almost retro-futuristic look mirroring the architecture of the real Shanghai.
Disney wisely avoided duplicating lands that Chinese guests may find foreign like Frontierland. And the central castle is dubbed the Enchanted Storybook Castle, a fairytale palace not modeled after any real European landmark. The theming feels more fantasy than reality-based history.
Attractions and Rides
Many favorite Walt Disney World rides can also be found in Shanghai Disneyland, like Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, Soarin’ Around the World, and Peter Pan’s Flight. But certain attractions like Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean have been re-imagined with lavish new technology and storylines based on their movie franchises.
Meanwhile, E-Ticket thrill rides like TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure are totally unique to Shanghai. TRON Lightcycle Power Run in particular combines smooth coaster trains with neon-lit TRON aesthetics for an experience unlike any other Disney coaster worldwide.
Some criticize Shanghai Disneyland for lack of original rides, but with 19 attractions, the line-up has impressive diversity blending updated classics like the Fantasia Carousel with cutting-edge innovations like the TRON coaster.
Food and Dining
No Disney park would be complete without favorite American theme park snacks like popcorn, turkey legs, and Mickey premium ice cream bars. But Shanghai Disneyland incorporates far more authentic Chinese cuisine at its restaurants.
Walk through the park and you’ll notice steamed Chinese bao buns, zhima chicken (sesame sticky rice), pickled vegetables, boba milk tea, and all manner of nods to local flavors. Even familiar dishes get an Eastern twist, like the Mickey Pork Bun sandwich. Table service restaurants likewise blend Western dishes with Chinese signatures like drunken shrimp.
Shops
Where Walt Disney World stores bombard visitors with endless racks of plush, apparel, and everything you can stamp a mouse ears logo on, Shanghai Disneyland takes a more curated approach to merchandise.
The shops showcase far more China-exclusive products versus mass-produced apparel. And the items emphasize cute details over broad IP branding. For instance, you’ll find Chinese zodiac sculptures, chopstick sets, specialty tea tins, and Chinese New Year celebration decor.
Shanghai Disneyland aimed to make shopping more about quality over quantity, knowing Chinese visitors value unique gifts for family and friends.
Live Entertainment
Both parks offer lively entertainment like parades, fireworks, and character interactions. But Shanghai Disneyland caters to Chinese tastes with more elaborate live acrobatic stunt shows like Tarzan: Call of the Jungle and an Eye of the Storm stunt show for Pirates of the Caribbean.
Chinese audiences have a deep appreciation of acrobatics, so these colorful, music-filled shows with incredible aerial and tumbling feats are big hits. It’s a contrast from Walt Disney World’s more character meet-and-greet-focused entertainment.
Hotels
Given its massive size and 50 years of expansion, Walt Disney World boasts over 25 themed hotels spanning every price point. Shanghai Disneyland Resort has just two hotels so far – the high-end Shanghai Disneyland Hotel and more budget-oriented Toy Story Hotel.
But these hotels pull out all the stops on theming – the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel evokes Art Nouveau elegance with gorgeous grounds, dining, and amenities. Guests rave about the level of attention to detail and service.
And the Toy Story Hotel immerses you in the colorful toy-filled world of Woody and Buzz. Guest rooms may be more basic, but family-friendly amenities and play areas create wonderful memories.
Crowds and Guest Experience
Any Disney park will get crowded, but Shanghai Disneyland was built to accommodate up to 100 million annual guests based on projected growth. The park layout is spacious enough that even on busy days, there’s breathing room.
Plus, visiting during off-peak seasons and weekdays keeps crowds manageable. Weekends around Chinese holidays see massive attendance from locals while weekdays cater more to international tourists. Either way, lines move briskly thanks to Shanghai Disneyland’s state-of-the-art ride systems.
In contrast, cramped walkways and aging infrastructure at Walt Disney World can make busy days feel claustrophobic. But it also has slower off-seasons while Shanghai stays fairly busy year-round as China’s hottest new Disney destination.
Two Worlds, One Disney Magic
It’s incredible to see how Disney can build a new park in China that feels totally unique while staying true to the company’s mission of delivering quality family entertainment. Both Walt Disney World and Shanghai Disneyland exemplify the heights of theme park excellence while reflecting the diverse cultures they were built for.
No Disney park can or should be 100% duplicated – that’s the key to the enduring worldwide appeal of these Disney worlds. As Disney plans new parks for the future, we hope they continue applying fresh ideas tailored for each region while keeping that signature Disney magic intact.
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